Catena Media ramps up preparations for North Carolina launch
Affiliate confirms plans to launch in Tar Heel State as early as next January following Governor approval
Catena Media has announced it is ramping up its preparations for the launch of legal online sports betting in North Carolina.
The affiliate confirmed it was planning to go live in the Tar Heel State next January following Governor Roy Cooper’s approval to issue as many as 12 licenses to operators.
The new law will allow online sports betting to begin from as early as January 8 or as late as mid-June. The North Carolina Lottery Commission will manage the go-live date in the state.
The Stockholm-listed firm said its diverse portfolio, which includes brands such as Lineups and LegalSportsReport, puts it in good stead ahead of the market’s launch.
Michael Daly, Catena Media CEO, said: “This positive news from North Carolina aligns with our strategic ambition to expand our North American presence. As the ninth most populous US state, and the 28th to legalize online sports betting, North Carolina has the potential to become a significant market for us.
“The bill signed by Governor Cooper encourages innovation and ensures healthy competition for sportsbooks, which are positive factors for the market that Catena Media welcomes.”
Daly also noted that North Carolina has the potential to serve as a guide for other states that are in the process of legalizing online sports betting.
He added: “Ultimately, states that are better attuned to consumer needs and dedicate room for flexibility to sportsbook operators will have more success than those that don’t.”